Mate i did the same drive yesterday. Gold Coast through to Townsville. We also saw the Juicy camper which smashed into the tree. Those backpackers were so lucky! But I agree, it did seem a little slow through there. At least there are plenty of overtaking lanes around there though.
We also got forced off the road twice by southbound idiots overtaking when it wasn't safe. More overtaking lanes are desperately needed north from Rocky.